Illustrious Men

I started reading Jerome's Lives of Illustrious Men today. While much of the early part of the book is heavily dependent of Eusebius, it still makes for some fascinating reading. Jerome took a format used by pagan writers and adapted it to Christianity by listing those whom he knew had produced significant literary works from the time if the New Testament up to his day.

One of the aspects of this work that makes it so intriguing is the number of writers whose works we do not have and who thus, by today's standards, are obscure or unknown. Certainly you will find familiar names in the list, starting with Peter, including the NT authors and the Apostolic Fathers, writers like Tertullian and Irenaeus, and on through the years until it ends with Jerome himself. But the majority of those listed are either familiar only to those who specialize in patristic study or perhaps not even to them.

I think this is a great illustration of the way God uses many people in accomplishing His will. There are always a few prominent individuals who are recognized widely among large groups of people. There are also some who may not be known outside Christian circles, but who are well-known within them. Then there are those whose work is known only to a select few who happen to be around where they are. Finally there are those who toil in anonymity, known only to God. All have a role to play in the kingdom of God.

Those writers who are listed by Jerome but whose works are unknown now may have been every bit as brilliant and insightful as those whose works we have. They may have labored courageously to proclaim the gospel message (and quite a number are noted as martyrs). Jerome thought them worthy of mention as "illustrious" despite the losses, some of which had occurred by his time. Yet all of them served their Lord faithfully, even if their contribution is no longer available to us.

Don't worry about your reputation as a follower of Jesus. If you serve the Lord, the only reputation that matters is the one you have with God. Be an example, be faithful, and let the Lord declare you "illustrious" in His sight.